Suspension of Ewing's Death Sentence Until Question of Insanity Can Be Answered
Document 1800Acknowledges receipt of Lt. Col. Hamtramck's letter suggesting that the condemned soldier Samuel Ewing might have been insane at the time of his infraction; Adams wishes to hear further reports on this topic, and cancels Ewing's death warrant for the time being. States that Ewing should neither be pardoned immediately, as this might "injure the service."
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[227]
Quincy Augt 4 1800
Dear Sir
Last night I received your favor of the 31st It has given me a such concern The Court Martial or some of them should have given a hint, if they suspected insincerity Lt Colo. Hambranchs opinion has so much weight, that I am very glad — you resolved to postpone acting upon the warrant, until you could hear farther. I now not only pray you to suspend the execution, but to cancel the warrant. Let the man remain under arrest for the present. To pardon him immediately might injure the service.
Secretary of War. With great regard &c
Type
Letterbook
Description
Acknowledges receipt of Lt. Col. Hamtramck's letter suggesting that the condemned soldier Samuel Ewing might have been insane at the time of his infraction; Adams wishes to hear further reports on this topic, and cancels Ewing's death warrant for the time being. States that Ewing should neither be pardoned immediately, as this might "injure the service."
Date
08/16/1800
Author
Recipient
Sent from
Quincy
Repository
Collection
Document number
1800081640001
Page start
1
Notable persons
Samuel Dexter
John Adams
Lieutenant Colonel Hamtramck
Ewing
Notable locations
Quincy
Notable items
court martial
warrant
execution
pardon